Minimizing the gap between the demand of electricity during peak and off-peak hours is very essential and is one of the major challenges for the government, said Prime Minister’s Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury.
“If the difference between peak and off-peak load soars, spending will shoot up accordingly,” Tawfiq-e-Elahi said while addressing a reception program held for himby the Power Division at Bidyut Bhaban on Tuesday.
Tawfiq, also a former bureaucrat, was reappointed as the adviser on Sunday, along with four others, after the formation of the Awami League-led government recently.
According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), the forecast demand for power during peak and off-peak hours was estimated at 10,631MW and 11,747MW for Tuesday.
The average peak and off-peak load difference between January 8 -14 was exactly 2,111MW.
Giving credit to the previous government, for “proving electricity to every household,” Tawfiq went on saying: “It (power coverage) was a massive achievement for the (last) government.”
Currently, 90% of the population has access to electricity, with power sector high-ups hoping to bring the entire country under electricity coverage by this year.
Tawfiq was of opinion that the sector must adopt an updated and timely communication strategy to help register an even better growth.
Asking the power sector officials and employees to embody the sense of caring like the premier, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said: “Proper respect and affection for the masses can earn the maximum professional output.”
The adviser also insisted on finding a solution to the problems prevailing in the sector, in a creative manner.
Earlier at the program, Power Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus said supply of electricity is not a solution; demand and efficiency are.
“It will not be wise to be satisfied with the expedited implementation of power plants projects and that too, in a traditional way,” he said, warning the power sector personnel of challenging days ahead.
BPDB Chairman Khaled Mahmood and Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board Chairman Major General (retd) Moin Uddin, among others, attended the event.
